"What I've sent out to staff here at Clarke is an anticipated early dismissal and so they're aware that that's in the work. So we have a plan in place so they know that if that arises that we don't have to scramble. We're ready to go," said Seid.

The plan must take into consideration how early bus drivers need to get children home in rural areas and how teen drivers will get home driving themselves through the storm.

"So we're looking at a change in menu and how that's delivered so we can get kids through, get their meal and then prepare to leave if necessary," said Seid.

Des Moines metro area schools don't have to deal with gravel roads, but they still have to help manage family schedules.

"The earliest we know the situation that will occur and we can make the call, the better because that helps parents plan for that change in their schedule," said Elaine Watkins-Miller, West Des Moines schools spokeswoman.

School officials said overnight storms are easier, they can just cancel classes. Midday storms require more delicate planning of when to call things off early enough to get everyone home in time, but not too early to waste good learning time.